Packingless expansion member



As sheets-sheet 1 Nov. 10, 1931. H. BRENNAN ET AL PACKINGLESS EXPANSION MEMBER Filed Dec. 9, 1929 NI@ A w Q N Nov. 10, 1931. BENNAN ETAL 1,830,780

PAcKmLEss 'EXPANSION MEMBER Filed Dc. 9. 1929 s sheets-sheet 2' QJ I Venier @MJ WL H WIL/,.23

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Nov. 10,1931. v H. BRENNANfET AL 183078@ n PACKINGLESS. EXPANSION MEMBER Filed Dec.v 9, 1929 3 sneetssheet 3 ufl I l I I Hanf); Biff-Hinay QW gy eajh/M l@ -m la a? I. i A #y 2 PJ ff Patented Nov. 10, 1931 l UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIcE maar BRENNAN AND BENJAMIN n'. WILDING, or MAnsHAm'rowN, IowA, AssIeNoRs 'ro c. A. DUNHAM coMrANY, or mnsnamrowN, IOWA, A coaroaA'rIoN or IowA PACKINGLESS EXPANSION man.

Application led December 9, 1929. Serial No. 412,861.

This invention relates to 'certain new and useful improvements in expansible metallic diaphragms, adapted for use as imperforate sealing walls between two relatively movable members.

Devices of this 'character may be formed of a lplurality of annular flexible plates of thin metal, which are alternately sealed together `at their inner and outer'edges so as to form a ilexiblecorrugated tube,the free edges of vthe plates at the two ends of the series being sealed to the two relatively movable members so as to form a continuous imperforate but extensible wall joining these members. For' example, in one of theinlet valves used to control the flow of steam into a radiator of a steam heating system, the movable valve member adapted to close the steam passage same time a continuous imperforate` upper wall is formed for the valve casing in all pgslitions of adjustment of the valve member.

ile the iiexlble diaphragm here shown is designed particularly for use in such a valve mechanism it will be apparentthat it is capable of other uses where such a sealing device is required.

Flexible diaphragms of this type have been constructed of a single piece of metal formed by rolling so as to secure a bellows-like structure. Such diaphragms are open tothe disadvantage that the process of forming thins` the metal walls at the edges which take .the .Y

greatest amount of lle'xure. It well known that to secure -marrimumendurance of a device of this character it is necessary to maintain uniform metal thickness so far as possible. The diaphragms have also been formed of a series of separate annular metal plates,

the adjacent inner and outer edges of the series of plates being crimped together or i' formed with interlocking flanges, but all such" constructions serve to weaken the metal at the locations subject to the greatest lexure,

so that-fracturegof vthe diaphragm ismost apt to occurat these locations-after a few cycles of operation owing to the increased intensity of the stresses at these weaker areas. Furthermore, it is usually necessary to use non-ferrous metals for the diaphragm'plates in order to avoid oxidation or corrosion when rysubject to water and its vapors when used in Idrawn by heating. It is therefore desirable to avoidheating operations in the assembling the diaphragm.

According to the resent invention the diaphragm is formed y a rocess which tends to retain the temper in t e metal and maintain uniform thicknesses throughout, and reinforce those portions subject to the greatest stresses thereby obtaining greater durability. The invention avoids soldered joints/which are subject to bendingpstresses.

Briey described,l the invention contem-A plates joining the adjacent edge portions of a pair of the diaphragm plates by employing a metallic ring, preferably of softer metal than the plates, which is rolled over and clamped to flat edge portions of the diaphragm plates, the joints bein subsequently tinned or soldered overin or er to provide an absolutely tight joint. The connecting ring is so formed and appliedthat no spreading orbuckling stresses will be'applled to the diaphragm plates, and the joint will be process of reinforced and strengthened.

The general object of this invention is to provide a' new method of sealing together the com onent plates of a flexible diaphragm, as brie y set forth hereinabove anddisclosed nore in detail in thev specifications which folow. A

Another object is to provide an improved form of flexible metalllc diaphragm involving new and improved means for sealing to# Vgether the adjacent edges of the component diaphragm lates. l A .Anothero ject is to provide an improved form of connecting -member forthe dia- 190 soY phragm plates of a flexible metallic diaagm.

Another object is to provide an improved packingless sealing device for use in an inlet valve.

Other objects and advantages of this inventionwill be more apparent from the following detailed description of certain approved forms of apparatus involving the principles of this invention.

In the accompanying drawings:

I Fig.1 is a central longitudinal vertical section through an inlet valve provided with a preferred form of the iexible diaphragm.

Fig. 2 is a sectional perspective view of the upper diaphragm plate.

Figs. 3 and 4 are similar perspective views of the two types of plates used in pairs to complete the iiexible diaphragm.

Fig. 5 is a central sectionahmew illustrating the first step in assembling the connecting ring with a pair of adjacent diaphragm plates.

Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the connecting-member rolled into engagement with the plates.

Fig. 7 is a central sectional view through a segment of a modified form of diaphragm.

Flg. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing another modification.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the inlet valv will first be briefly described to illustrate one preferred use for the improved flexible diaphragm. The valve casing 1 is formed with an inlet port 2 adapted to be connected with a pipe leading from the steam supply, and with an outlet port 3 adapted to be connected through nipple 4 with the inlet of a radiator. `A movable valve member 5 is adapted to cooperate with a fixed valve seat 5 formed Within casing 1 in order to close or open the steam passage through the valve casing. The valve disc 5 is mounted in a holder 6 which is swiveled to the lower end of valve stem 9 by spinning the flange 7 on the holder over the upper portion' of the head 8 formed at the lower end of the valve stem. flhe upper portion 10 of valve stem 9, which 1s of non-circular cross section, is slidable vertically through a similarly formed opening in the guide plate 11 whichyis clamped to the upper end of valve casing 1 by means of bonnet 12 screwed at 13 onto the valve casing. An interiorly threaded nut 14 is rotatably mounted in bonnet 12 above the guide plate 11. An exteriorly threaded nut 15 is nonrotatably secured at 16 to the upper end of the valve stem, the nut 15 being threaded within nut 14 so that as nut 14 is rotated the -nut 15, and consequently the valve stem and to indicate the adjusted position of the valve.

The flexible tubular metallic diaphragm indicated generally at 2O (with which this invention is particularly concerned) is connected at one end with the movable valve holder 6 and at the other end with the upper edge of valve casing l so as to form, togeher with the valve holder 6, a continuous imperforatc wall closing the upper end of the valve casing in all positions of adjustment of the valve member, without interfering with the movements of the valve operating members which project through the upper open end of the valve casing. A

The flexible diaphragm comprises a plurality of annular metal plates 21, 22 and 23 (see Figs. 2, 3 and 4), each formed of thin, preferably non-ferrous sheet metal. The

flexibility of eachplate may be increased byy corrugating'its intermediate portion as indicated at 25. The upper plate 21 is of somewhat greater outer diameter than the plates 22 and 23, so as to provide a flat horizontal ring portion 26 having a downturned edge 27, the portion 26 being adapted to be clamped between the upper edge'of valve casing 1 and the outer edge portion of guide plate 11, as shown in Fig. 1. The other plates 22 and 23 are of generally similar size and conformation with the exception that the plate 22 is provided with a downwardly projecting outer flange 28 whereas the plate 23 is provided with an upwardly projecting flange 29, one of these flanges being of slightly greater diameter than the other so that they will project over one another or overlap as indicated in Fig. 1. The inner edge portions 30 of the several discs are flat and extend radially or substantially parallel to one another, and may all be of the same internal diameter.

Referring now more particularly to Figs. j

tact the 'adjacent side faces of the edge portions 30 of the plates. At the base of each side of rib 32 is formed a'laterally projecting triangular flange 34, approximately as long. as the thickness of one of the diaphragm plates, and providing a shoulder 35 against whichthe inner edge portion of the respective diaphragm plates abut. Rearwardly of the triangular flanges 34, the ring 31 is formed with a pair of laterally projecting side flanges 36 of considerably greater length than the flanges 34 and separated therefrom by the outwardly flaring annular grooves 37.

A pair of the diaphragm plates 23 and 22 are first assembled at the two sides of the connecting ring 31 as shown in Fig. 5. The

flanges 36 are then spun or rolled outwardly against the outer faces of the edge portions of the two plates, as indicated in Fig. I6. This spinning operation is performed cold withi out the application of heat to either the ring 31 or the diaphragm lates, so as not to disturb the"temper in t e plates. The joined members are subsequently tinned over or soldered so as to provide a continuous and perm manent joint. By roviding the annular recesses or grooves 3 behind the shouldered flanges 34, the binding or clamping flanges 36 may be rolled over without applying any mater1al spreading stresses to the inner edges of the diaphragm plates, and since the" intermediate rib 32 and the outer flanges 36 are clamped flatwise against the parallel side portions of the inner edges of the discs, there are no forces tending to spread or buckle the discs i-n any direction. The inner edge portions ofthe discs are not bent or otherwise weakened, and the connecting ring 31 serves as a reinforcing member tending to strengthen this portion of the diaphragm assembly. 5. After pairs ofthe diaphragm plates have been 'secured together in this manner, the adjacent pairs may be assembled as shown in Fig. 1 'and the overlapping outer flanges 28.

and 29 soldered together so as to form a con- 301 tinuous corrugated diaphragm. In the example here shown, the 1mproved connecting means is used only at the inner edges of the plates where the eatest bendin stresses are exerted, and lit will usually be su cient to 35 secure the outer edges by the simple overlapping joint just described. However, 'it will be a parent that the same form of connecting evice could be appliedI tol the outer edges of the disc b Providing -a ring similar o to ring 31 but havmg its connecting ribs and flanges directed inwardly instead of outwards ly. In such a construction, of course, the outer edge portions of the diaphragm plates "would bevformed flat and parallel with one another and the overlapping flanges 28 and 29 would be'omitted.

A somewhat modified form of connecting ring vis shown in Fig. 7, this Vmodification being adapted for use where it is desired to of space the flexible plate units a greater distance apart. Inthis form`of the invention the connecting ring 38 is formedV with a main rib or body portion 39 which may have any desired length .or thickness and `which Yhas end faces 40 and rear shoulders 41 adapt,-

ed t'o abut the side face and inneredge` of one of the diaphragm. plates. A metal clamping washer42 v1s thenplaced over the outer face ofthe edge portion of the disc, and rthe outwardly extending flange portion 43 of the'ringis spun over Vthe outer face of Y the washer, all as'indicated in Fig. 7.

In case the diaphragm plates have sutilcient strength so t ere 1s no danger of buckl ling, the washers 42 may be omitted, and the connecting ring 44 Fig. 8) providedwith longer laterall extending side flanges 45 which are'4 rolle or spun" directl over the outer faces of the respective diap ragm plates. l

In Fig. 8 is also illustrated a reinforcing ring 46 of soft metal which may be. spun around the overlapped flanges 28 and 29 at the outer edges of a pair of diaphragm plates so'as to seal and strengthen this joint. This reinforcing member could be added to any of the forms of diaphragms previously disclosed. l

According to this invention we havedisclosed a new method and meansv for joining the edge portions of the component diaphragm plates of aflexible diaphragm with-` out weakening the plates or su jecting them` to any undesirable s reading or buckling stresses. rlfhe connectm ring is formed of v a sof. er metal than the p ates and its componentparts are so separated that when rolled or spun into engagement with the lates no spreading stresses will be applie to` the plates. Furthermore, the entire operation is carried out with the parts cold so that the tem er in the plates will not' be destroyed.

ile the improved flexible diaphragm has here been shown by way of exam le as fused in the inlet valve for a steamheat'ing system, it will be apparent that this diaphragm-is capable of uses in many other constructions, and this broad application of the inventlon is intended to be covered by the claims which \follow.

We claim: v

1. Means for sealing to aoy ` ether the adjacent edge portions of two annu ar sheet metaldiscs of a flexible diaphragm'comprising an annular ring of soft metal having shoulders which abut the' edges of the discs` and an annular rib intermediate the shoulders which projects between the discs, and .laterally projecting side flanges, therefbeing outwardly flared annular grooves between the shoulders and the side ilanges, the side ilanges being rolledover the shoulders'and the outer faces of. the edge portions of the discs.

2. An expansible diaphragm comprising a` plurality of annular. sheet mtal. -(hscsfand means for sealing together the adjacentinner' l edge portions of'a pair-ofthediscs comprising a metal ring of softer metall having 'a central annular rib adapted to project'bev. tween the adjacent vsides ofv theedge por- &0 tions of the discs, short laterally extending .flange portions approximately as long as the thickness of the discs and'ada'ptedto abut the inner edges thereof, and longer Vlateral flange portions adapted to be rolled out over the shorter flanges and clamped ,against` the ,outer faces of the edge portions of the discs.

3. An expansible diaphragm comprising a plurality of annular sheet metal discs.l and .means for sealing together the adjacent inner` 139 los edge portions of a pair of the discs comprising a metal ring of softer metal having a central annular rib adapted to project between the adjacent sides of the edge portions of the discs, short laterally extending llange portions approximately as long as the thickness of the discs and adapted to abut the inner edges thereof, and longer lateral flange portions adapted to be rolled out over the shorter langes and clamped against the outer faces of the edge portions of the discs, there being an annular outwardly flaring groove between the bases of each adjacent pair of long and short flanges to permit the longer flange to be rolled out without exerting radial spreading pressure on the disc.

n expansible diaphragm comprising a plurality of annular-sheet metal discs arranged in pairs, the two discs of each pair having curved laterally extending overlapping flanges at their outer edges, a soft metal inwardly concaved ring clamped around the overlapped flanges and sealed thereto, the

inner edge portions of the discs extending radiallyvinward in substantially parallel relation, and means for sealing together the 1nner edge portions of the adjacent discs of two adjacent pairs comprising an annular soft metal ring having portions clamped over the edge portions of the two discs.

5. An expansible diaphragm comprising a plurality of annular sheet metal 'discs arranged in pairs, the two discs of each pair having laterally extending overlapping llanges at their outer edges, means for sealmg these flanges together, the inner edge portions of the discs extending radially in` ward in substantially parallel relation, .and means for sealin together the inner edge portions of the adjacent discs of two adjacent pairs comprising an annular soft metal ring having an outwardly extending portion projecting between the discs, laterally extending shoulders adapted to abut t-he inner edges of the discs, annular washers' positioned on the shoulders outside the discs, and laterally extending flanges on the soft metal ring adapted to be rolled over the outer faces of the washers to clamp them against the discs.

6. An expansible diaphragm comprising a plurality of annular sheet metal discs arranged in pairs, the two discs of each pair havlng laterally extending overlapping flanges at their outer edges, means for sealing these flanges together, the inner edge portions of the discs extending radially inward in substantially parallel relation, and means for sealing together the inner edge portions of the adjacent discs of two adjacent pairs comprising an annular soft metal ring having an outwardly extending portion projecting between the discs, the laterally extending shoulders adapted to abut the inner edges of -the discs, and laterally extending to be rolled over the v'outer aces of the edge flanges adapted 

